Just wanted to share

this wonderful website on behalf of a friend in Bulgaria.  Nevena is a really nice lady I met last year while on a cycling tour of Sofia, Bulgaria, during my last night there.  Anyway, she is Senior expert "International Affairs" Department at Central Cooperative Union - Bulgaria.  


She posted a link to this website on her Facebook wall, and I wanted to share it with everyone out there. As we all know or should know, coops do a lot of good for the world around us.  
Take a look for yourself.


http://www.stories.coop/

God and My African Friends . . . .

Over the last few days I've really been trying to figure some things out.  It seems like once I walked into church, those things figured themselves out.  Besides Pastor Ken, I'm the only person whose native language is English.  It's humbling to see how nice and respectful everyone is, considering we represent possibly eight or nine different countries during one service.  Pastor Ken really is becoming like a big brother to me.

Today, I stayed for the fellowship time after the service.  This included discussion about Pastor Ken's sermon.  It was very cool to spend that time discussing the message with all of the Africans, as well as Kahn (from Pakistan).  Having discussion time with these people is just one of those things that makes you much prouder of who you are and where you come from.  Considering my education level is the lowest among everyone at the table (everyone is in Korea for some sort of research), I feel like I am becoming more intelligent -- at least for that hour or so out of my Sunday.  

Anyway, this post isn't great work, but I'm fine with that.  My beloved New Orleans Saints lost today, but I did some shopping.  I got bow tie pasta, fettuccine, linguine, and some blueberry energy bars that come with a blueberry plant --- STRANGE!!!   Instead of eating pasta for dinner, I had beef, eggs, and potatoes. 

 YUM YUM

 

Down in the River to Pray

Paulo Coelho

If you don't know you this man is, you better get to know his novels quickly.  Paulo Coelho is an International Bestselling Author.  He's best known for the book The Alchemist but another book I started reading is entitled The Fifth Mountain.   I haven't read but half of this book, but I am really enjoying it right now.  The story is about the biblical prophet Elijah.

One more book that is a collection of essays by Mr. Coelho, is called Like the Flowing River. This is also a wonderful piece to read as well.

Anyway, I just felt the need to share with everyone out there. Happy Hump Day!!

Expiration Dates

These things will get you a good deal when you're desperate for something.  Example: J.T. was in need of some protein, since that order from six weeks ago still hasn't arrived.  Well, I wanted some American brand of some sort.  Saturday morning after my breakfast with Ken, I decided to walk through this little market area that usually has random American brands, like Quaker, Smuckers, JIF, and Hershey's, to name a few.

I peeked in one window and found me some Optimum Whey protein -- great American brand. I walked in and asked the guy how much it was, and he explained to me in Korean that it was past expiration.  So, I took the thing from the shelf, and saw it was five months past the date. Understanding how well protein powders are packaged, I decided to negotiate a discount with the man.

I got half off at least.  So I ended up paying about 55 bucks for 10lbs worth of great stuff.  I also bought some Quaker Oats from the man too.  Success? Oh yeah.  I was worried that the stuff may not be good, but it turned out just fine. 

Learning to use my neighborhood properly

There are many places in this country where people sell fruits and veggies daily along the sidewalks.  Today, I needed (or really wanted) some bananas, strawberries, and sweet potatoes.  What did I do? Instead of going to the supermarket, I decided to just walk around my neighborhood.  I found one lady trying to get rid of some 'naners, since they were getting close to bad -- perfect for my protein shakes.  Then I walked up the street a little bit and found a man selling some really nice strawberries (for about 8 bucks), but they definitely look better than the ones at the super market.  I walked across the street and bought some sweet 'taters as well.  I should have bought the rest of my veggies there, but I went to the supermarket to get my sweet peppers instead.  This morning I was kind of a little mad at myself for not doing that any earlier in my time here.  I sometimes buy fruits on the street, but need to do more of it.

Drew Brees and God!!!

In some parts of the world on a given Sunday in the fall or winter, these two guys are very popular.  When I was working last year in Louisiana, I even remember people wearing Drew Brees jerseys to a local Methodist church.  I was a little stunned, but then I remembered where I was.  Personally, Drew Brees and God have made my Sundays pretty positive over the last few weeks.  Actually the latter has done a lot more for me lately.  Gotta give the man credit for leading to Pastor Ken -- incredibly classy man. 

Fingers crossed that I arrive in the USA, on Super Bowl Sunday, to witness both of these men doing some incredible work!